Book Review: Gears of War: Aspho Fields
With Gears of War: E-Day about to break free when it releases, I wanted to dive back into this universe and take a look at the novel that expanded the Gears world and its characters so much for me. As a long time Gears fan, I’ve been extremely excited for the new game’s upcoming release, hoping for a return to what made the series so special in the first place. Expect my game review to come soon!
Official Summary
As kids, the three of them were inseparable; as soldiers, they were torn apart. Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago fought alongside Dom’s elder brother Carlos at Aspho Fields in the epic battle that changed the course of the Pendulum Wars. There’s a new war to fight now, a war for mankind’s very survival. But while the last human stronghold on Sera braces itself for another onslaught from the Locust Horde, ghosts come back to haunt Marcus and Dom. For Marcus—decorated war hero, convicted traitor—the return of an old comrade threatens to dredge up an agonizing secret he’s sworn to keep.
As the beleaguered Gears of the Coalition of Ordered Governments take a last stand to save mankind from extermination, the harrowing decisions made at Aspho Fields have to be re-lived and made again. Marcus and Dom can take anything the Locust Horde throws at them—but will their friendship survive the truth about Carlos Santiago?
Quick Information
Author: Karen Traviss
Published: October 28, 2008
Pages: 402
Genre: Science Fiction, Military Fiction, Action
Tropes: Found Family, Big Damn Heroes, Heroic Sacrifice, Survivor Guilt
Review
After nearly 80 years of conflict known as the Pendulum Wars, the Coalition of Ordered Governments finds themselves under a new threat which comes to be known as the Locust Horde.
For those unfamiliar with Gears of War, or who have only played the games, you are doing yourself a disservice by missing out on one of the most character driven science-fiction stories out there. Aspho Fields isn’t just a video game retelling or a hollow tie-in you can skip; the book’s narrative establishes each character and how they came to be the ones we see throughout this universe during the Locust War.
"...because it made him family. It was okay to hate your siblings, but no outsider had the right to dare lay a finger on them."
Aspho Fields is a dual timeline book. One timeline follows the aftermath of the original Gears of War video game while the other takes place during the Pendulum Wars before anyone knew what was hiding beneath the surface of Sera. This dual timeline allows readers to explore familiar faces like Marcus Fenix, Dominic Santiago, and Victor Hoffman before and after E-Day, giving us a unique perspective on how they’ve developed over the long years of conflict. We are also introduced to a couple of my all time favorite Gears of War characters in Bernadette Mataki and Quentin Michaelson. Despite the large cast of characters, each receives sufficient screen time and a well developed backstory, allowing us to get to know them far more intimately than the video games allow.
“The battle was, as always, nothing like the plan. It never was. Instant decisions had to be taken, and hindsight might one day prove them right or wrong, but the one that was always wrong was sit on your ass and do nothing.”
I have yet to come across an author who writes better military fiction than Karen Traviss. She is able to craft a believable story with all the little details that make even a science-fiction world seem grounded and realistic. Her writing style is immersive and full of depth. From the way each character reacts during combat to the choices they are forced to make in a split second to how they process what they’ve gone through, it's clear that Karen Traviss has done thorough research on the topic.
The tension surrounding each conflict builds throughout the book, all leading up to the events at Aspho Fields which changed so many characters' lives forever. Even while rereading this novel, there are parts that choke me up because the emotional impact still hits hard even after all this time. Camaraderie, grief, and survivor's guilt are core themes throughout this book that are handled with great nuance and care. This is true of the entire series as a whole, including the games themselves.
Long time fans of the series will enjoy the references to events, characters, and familiar locations from around the Gears universe. Even if you are not a fan of the Gears of Wars video games, Aspho Fields is worth reading for a grounded, science-fiction story with great characters, tension filled action, and a complex narrative.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to play E-Day.
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